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[war recap - march 2002 ]
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The war on terror continues even as the Taliban was apparently routed well before the New Year. Controversy was ignited as hundreds of al Qaeda detainees were brought to Guantanamo Bay. European critics pointed fingers at the United States for mistreating those who have sworn to kill all Americans. The U.S. government insists that all prisoners are treated well and some even claim that the prisoners are given better treatment than those in the military guarding them.
The American Taliban, John Walker, also came home for the first time since before the war. He will not be charged with treason, however, he has been indicted on charges including: conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, conspiracy to provide material support and resources to foreign terrorist organizations, providing material support and resources to foreign terrorist organizations, conspiracy to contribute services to al-Qaeda, contributing services to al-Qaeda, conspiracy to supply services to the Taliban, supplying services to the Taliban, and using and carrying firearms and destructive devices during crimes of violence.
President Bush himself got in trouble with an International audience as he declared Iran, Iraq, and North Korea to form an "Axis of Evil." The President's first State of the Union speech emphasized security on the economic and military fronts. One highlight included Mr. Bush urging Americans to hold on to a new culture of responsibility and to be "a nation that serves goals larger than self."
Not long after the State of the Union speech urging Americans to be patient on the war and to remember that the threat of future attacks remains, the nation was warned that there could be attacks on nuclear power plants.
Taliban and al Qaeda forces have regrouped for a final stand against the U.S. military in Afghanistan as they have taken out one helicopter and taken 8 American lives.
Back home, the policy of having politics ending at the borders was cast aside as Senator Byrd and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle criticized President Bush's handling of the war.
Even as Usama bin Laden and Mullah Omar still appear to be alive and well, and evidence of a second effort by Taliban forces in Afghanistan, the United States is still setting its targets on other terrorist nations. Most likely to be the next to fall is Saddam Hussein and his Iraqi regime. This campaign is not likely to begin for at least six months as the military is in need of fresh ammunition after nearly a decade of military budget cuts.